52 22-25, All-NewAtom 4
52 #22
I'm not sure why I seem to rarely have much to say about the 52 books. I like them, I find them interesting, but with so many strings of story running through them it's hard to find a strong focus. So I'll just mention a few things that struck me. Luthor's blind certainty that Supernova is Superman--I don't read Superman, but is it usual for Luthor to be this centered on him? He hates him, yet wants desperately to be like him (thus his repeated attempts to gain superpowers for himself). Best thing in this issue was Doc Magnus' conversation with Mercury.
52 #23
Mostly a Black Adam and Isis issue, which means more of Montoya and the Question (yay!). Does the Question have any powers apart from the changing-face thing, btw? (And, of course, his ability to provide a few light moments in an otherwise grim and gritty situation.) But I'm following Black Adam and Isis with some interest--I like Isis, and I hope I still do by the end of 52.
Do I think there has been a genuine change in Black Adam? No, not really--it could happen over time, but I think that without Isis' presence he'd be looking for quicker and more personally satisfying means to his ends.
My favorite bits, btw, were of the Evil Scientist Tropical Island Paradise. Finally the bad guys put together a secret HQ and it's not in a dark, damp castle or at the bottom of a volcano--it's in a vacation spot complete with margaritas and bikini-clad lovelies. (I'm assuming that the bikini-clad lovelies are in fact lab assistants with numerous advanced degrees. I'll be so disappointed if that's not so.)
52 #24
Isis' brother seems to be adapting well to his new power level; I can't help but think that there's something in the works here, however, and that Osiris is heading for something unfortunate. I hope that's not so, but it seems likely.
And the "New Justice League"? I'm not sure why any super-group forming would choose that name for themselves at this point, particularly given the level of power this group seems to have.
52 #25
The Ralph Dibny storyline is starting to drag a little, but I expect it will pick up soon enough. It was good to see Green Lantern Alan Scott. It was good to see more of the evil scientist spring break party. It was good so see a little more of how the Black Adam family works together.
Like I said, I do like Isis, but I'm hoping that her role as stabilizing influence doesn't become her primary identity. For one thing, it's stereotypical. For another, it really just sets her up to be killed--if she's all that's keeping Black Adam in check, if anything happens to her, well, drama ensues. (Now, something interesting --and I'm not saying do this, because I don't think they should do this, I'm just calling it more interesting--would be for Osiris to be killed or injured and Isis to lose it in that manner.) There's nothing wrong with being a peacemaker, but if she's only used to contrast Black Adam and act as a buffer, there's not going to be much interesting going on with her.
All-New Atom #4
Four issues into it and a change of artist, and I'm still loving the heck out of this book! Lately it's been the most reliably fun thing on my get list. And so much fun! Alien grammar, giant naked Dr. Zuul, Ryan's support team of eccentric academics doing their scientific thing, and finally the real threat--dad shows up to take our hero home! I'm glad that "Atom" starts with "A" because that puts it at the top of the stack :).
I do think it's possible that the humor (which I'm enjoying, no question of that!) could overtake the story at some point, but so far that hasn't happened and there's a been a good balance of almost-Silver-Age sensibility and modern attitude.
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